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How to Backup Windows Drivers Without Additional Software
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Before reinstalling Windows, it’s a good idea to back up your drivers first. Driver backups help save device drivers such as Wi-Fi, LAN, audio, chipset, printer, and graphics card drivers so they can be reused after the installation is complete.
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, driver backup can be done without additional applications using the DISM command .
How to Backup Drivers Using DISM
1. Create a Storage Folder
Create a folder to store the drivers, for example:
C:\BackupDriver
The computer I’m using happens to only have drive C, so it’s best to use a different drive C:to prevent the backup folder from being deleted when Windows is reinstalled.
If the export process uses drive C, it’s best to back it up to another location, such as a USB drive or other more secure storage.
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Click the Start menu .
- Type
cmd. - Right click Command Prompt .
- Select Run as administrator .
3. Run the Backup Driver Command
Enter the following command:
DISM /Online /Export-Driver /Destination:"C:\BackupDriver"
Then press Enter .
Windows will export the installed drivers to the C folder :\BackupDriver. Wait for the process to complete and for a message to appear stating that the operation was successful.
How to Reinstall Drivers
Once Windows has finished reinstalling, the drivers can be reinstalled via Device Manager.
- Right-click the Start button .
- Select Device Manager .
- Right-click the device whose driver is not installed.
- Select Update driver .
- Click Browse my computer for drivers .
- Select the driver backup folder.
- Check Include subfolders .
- Click Next .
Windows will search for and install the appropriate driver from the backup folder.
Things to Note
The DISM command only backs up installed third-party drivers. Windows default drivers are not backed up because they are usually already available in the operating system.
Driver backups should also be used on the same computer or laptop. Drivers from other devices may not be compatible.
Additionally, driver backups do not always save additional applications from the laptop manufacturer, such as battery management applications, function keys, audio, or device controls.
Conclusion
Driver backup in Windows can be done without additional software using the DISM command:
DISM /Online /Export-Driver /Destination:"D:\BackupDriver"
This method is suitable to be done before reinstalling Windows so that important drivers, especially Wi-Fi and LAN, can be reinstalled without having to download them from the internet.